A video has been making rounds on social media, where a person can be seen begging and crying for an oxygen cylinder. Like him, millions of Indians are struggling to find oxygen for their loved ones amid a devastating second wave of coronavirus.
According to report, the second-largest populated country in the world has had 3,498 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.
The BBC has documentedthe breaking points of Indian hospitals and crematorium, which has left hospitals in India overwhelmed. Donations have been pouring in to India from all over the world and in different cities, the Indian Army is setting up temporary hospitals and making its medical staff available to fight the deadly Covid 19.
While talking to CNN, Narendra Taneja, a spokesman for the ruling Indian Party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that, “We are in power, we are the government in India so of course responsibility is first and foremost ours, good or bad, whatever it is. It is our responsibility and we’re trying our very level best.” The BJP came under fire when despite the several warnings, large mass rallies held between March and April ahead of state elections.
Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Joe Biden and President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, for their help and support.
From Pakistan, in a letter to Indian PM Modi, Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation Faisal Edhi offered to arrange all the necessary supplies. He stated,” As a neighboring friend, we sympathize with you greatly and during this strenuous time, we would like to extends our help in the form of a fleet of 50 ambulances along with our services to assist you in addressing, and further circumventing the health conditions.”
The Indian government has advised all its citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. According to experts, a double mutant variant is adding fuel to India’s crisis as there are 243 cases every minute.
Minister for Health and Population Welfare Sindh Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has alerted citizens that the South African and Brazilian variant of COVID-19 has been detected in samples taken by the Agha Khan University (AKU).
In a video message, the minister said: “13 samples were studied yesterday in Agha Khan University Hospital. 10 UK, two African and a Brazilian variant were found.”
Dr Pechuho further said that South African and Brazilian variants have a high fatality rate and that these variants are not vaccine responsive.
The doctor warned that those infected with these new found variants can get severely ill.
She further urged people to stay indoors, avoid gatherings and Eid shopping.
The minister also added that if citizen continue with such carelessness, hospitals and medical centres will be overburdened as “we have seen in India”. She added that if the virus begins to spread, it will become difficult to control it.
Minister for Health & Population Welfare, Dr. @AzraPechuho strongly recommends avoiding crowds & even small social gatherings, as well as travelling unnecessarily. If we dont enforce & follow these protocols we will face a humanitarian crises not unlike that in India #SindhHealthpic.twitter.com/I4ZC2ylqDB
Last year in December, Pakistan reported three cases of the new strain of coronavirus that first emerged in the United Kingdom, prompting countries to ban travel with the UK.
Pakistan is experiencing a deadly third wave of Covid-19, with the positivity rate at an all-time high. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), 5112 cases and 131 deaths were recorded in the country in the last 24 hours.
Mawra Hocane has sent love to Neetu Kapoor on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary.
Commenting on Neetu’s post in which she remembered her late husband, Mawra Hocane posted three hearts to extend her love and prayers.
“All of last year has been of grief and sadness around the world for us maybe more as we lost him,” wrote Neetu, alongside a black and white picture of her and Rishi.
“Not a day has gone by when we have not discussed or reminisced him as he was an extension of our existence. Sometimes his wise advice, his wisecracks, his anecdotes,” she continued. “We have celebrated him all year with a smile on the lips as he will stay in our hearts forever we have accepted life will never be the same without him.”
Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020 in Mumbai after a two year long battle with cancer.
Adnan Siddiqui also remembered Kapoor, saying: “The man who remained young at heart till his last moments, who loved life, the most swashbuckling romantic hero Bollywood ever had. #RishiKapoor sahib you may be gone but you live in our hearts forever.”
The man who remained young at heart till his last moments, who loved life, the most swashbuckling romantic hero Bollywood ever had. #RishiKapoor sahib you may be gone but you live in our hearts forever. pic.twitter.com/hMlS9VpfBp
Meanwhile, our Pakistani celebrities who got a chance to meet with the actor shared pictures of themselves with the romantic hero and remembered him.
Humayun Saeed threw it back to the time they met Kapoor to cast him in Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2.
“He was the best of the best,” wrote Humayun.
What a great loss. Extremely sad that Rishi sahab is no more. Sharing this picture from when we had all gone to meet him and to cast him in JPNA2. May he rest in peace. He was the best of the best pic.twitter.com/viifGDdfHv
Zeba Bakhtiar recalled the time she shot the film Henna with the actor and wrote, “You were a superstar for us. RIP dear Rishi…my Chander Prakash. You are and forever will be in our hearts!”
Azaan Sami Khan thanked him for always supporting and pushing him to achieve better. While other celebs who paid a tribute to the late actor include Sajal Aly, Mahira Khan, Zara Noor Abbas, Imran Abbas, Saba Hamid, Yasir Hussain, Shaan, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar among others.
The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has slapped a fine of Rs 500,000 to Express Entertainment’s celebrity talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan for using animals as props.
Lawyer Faizullah Khan Niazi, who filed a “self-explanatory” complaint before the regulatory body on behalf of Santia Gulzar against the TV channel and show announced PEMRA’s decision on social media and shared a copy of the order.
“PEMRA saw fit to accept my arguments and impose a fine on Express Entertainment for using animals as props for the purposes of entertainment in its show Time Out with Ahsan Khan,” wrote Niazi on Twitter.
“The Council of Complaints (CoC) [in it’s 106th meeting] upheld the rights of animals and stopped unnecessary pain and suffering being caused to them,” added the lawyer.
“The Council after hearing the matter was of the considered view that the treatment towards animals in this specific show caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals used as props in the show. Subjugating animals to such uncalled-for treatment is clearly prohibited under Article 4 and Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” read PEMRA’s order.
Abuzar Khan Niazi, who is a Managing Partner at Lahore-based Crown Law Chambers also shared the judgment on social media, saying that the “treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared illegal and unconstitutional”.
We filed complaint against Express Entertainment in PEMRA, Council of Complaints for using rabbits as Props in their show. Today, we have won the case, rs 500,000 fine has been imposed on channel. Treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared to be ilegal and unconstitutional pic.twitter.com/hIyLgstVuU
Chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a Spokesperson of the Punjab Government Sarah Ahmad hailed the decision, calling it a “landmark judgement on animal rights”.
Council of Complaints, Lahore headed by @pansota1 passed a landmark judgment on animal rights which by all means was a case of first impression before any forum. Licensee was fined Rs.500,00/- for subjecting the animals to unnecessary pain and suffering.
Earlier in March, Crown Chambers had filed a complaint before PEMRA against Express Entertainment and the show for using animals as props.
“The captioned TV show has broadcasted insensitive and reckless content committing negligence and cruelty towards animals by subjecting them to unnecessary suffering and thereby, also mentally disturbing the general public at large,” the complaint had read.
For one of its segments, Time Out with Ahsan Khan used rabbits as props. The segment features a series of multiple-choice questions and if the celebrity answers a question incorrectly, a rabbit is placed on their lap. While some may see this as a harmless act, celebrities like Maya Ali were seen screaming out of fear. The complainant felt that this causes distress to the animal and accounts as animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan while speaking exclusively to The Current responded to the controversy, saying: “Let me clarify. These rabbits are basically pets and the person who owns them brings them to the set. When they are on set, we make sure that they are well-fed and taken care of and are not facing any issues. They are not uncomfortable at all. The person whose pets they are keeps them indoors and they are very easy to play with.”
“Araam say haathon main aa jaatay hain,” explained Khan.
The actor then said that being a pet lover he is very careful with the animals on set and cares for them.
“I myself am a pet lover,” said Ahsan. “I have dogs at home. I have cats. I also have parrots and hens and they are all like my own children. We try to provide them with comfortable environments. So naturally, we are very careful with the animals – all of us on set.”
He further said that after the show invited backlash for “using animals as props,” he and his producer decided to avoid it.
“My producer and I thought that if this is hurting people and they are not liking it, then we can avoid it. So we have cut out the segment in the last three to four episodes we’ve recorded,” stated Ahsan, clarifying that the ones which included the animals were shot before.
“Although this segment is one of my favourites because this is the only one in which we discuss general knowledge, which not only educates my guests but also those who are watching the show. Whoever gives a wrong answer has to hold the pet in their lap,” he shared. It is pertinent to add here that the male guests usually enjoy petting the animals but the female guests are scared of them and often jump around screaming when asked to hold them.
“We on our end have been very careful with handling them, but if some people don’t like it then we, including my producers and all can apologise to them,” concluded Khan. “It’s a mutual thing. If something is not right, we should look into it.”
Sheheryar Munawar has apologised for attending a birthday amid the deadly third wave of the coronavirus in Pakistan. The actor was recently spotted at Fahad Mirza’s 40th birthday celebrations, where he was photographed sans mask enjoying a candid moment.
After he was called out for being irresponsible, Sheheryar Munawar, in a statement apologised for his actions, saying: “Last week I went to wish my neighbour on his birthday on an invitation I had accepted two weeks prior.”
Munawar said that he was not expecting such a crowd and left five minutes after wishing the birthday boy.
“In a candid moment I was asked to take my mask off and pose for a picture,” continued Sheheryar. “Rightly so, I was called out for doing that and not following the SOPs. There is no justification for my actions and I stand corrected.”
Taking full responsibility, Sheheryar apologised for his “ignorance, lapse in judgement and lack of better sense” and thanked his social media family for “keeping my moral compass in check”
“Times are tough and we must all follow SOPs outlined by the government,” added the actor before extending prayers for those affected.
Later, while responding to a social media user, Munawar asserted that there are “no justifications for my actions”.
You’re right ! Like I said, no justifications for my actions. I was wrong and I stand corrected
It is pertinent to mention here that Munawar had tested positive for COVID-19 when Pakistan experienced its first wave.
Meanwhile, Mirza’s birthday party was an extravagant affair with many celebs including wife Sarwat Gilani, Zeba Bakhtiar, Frieha Altaf, and Mansha Pasha in attendance. After pictures from the celebrations went viral on social media, people present at the event were heavily criticised for not following the SOps.
Frieha had defended the celebrations, saying: “First of all, it was a very small gathering and it was on an open rooftop. All SOPs were followed, there were masks, temperature checks at the gate and I believe most of the guests already vaccinated or had antibodies.”
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) came out on top after a close contest with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in NA-249 (Karachi West-II) on Thursday.
According to unofficial results, PPP’s Abdul Qadir Mandokhel, in an unexpected turn off events, won the race against PML-N’s Miftah Ismail close behind.
The NA seat was created in 2018 by amalgamating neighbourhoods that previously fell in two Upper House constituencies — NA-239 and NA-240 — during three general elections between 2002 and 2013.
The constituency, with 339,591 registered voters, has emerged to be a highly contested seat with candidates belonging to almost every major political party fighting for it.
Prominent candidates in the run were Miftah of PML-N, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Syed Mustafa Kamal, Amjad Afridi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qadir of PPP, Mohammad Mursaleen of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Mufti Nazeer Ahmed Kamalvi of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Contrary to pre-poll surveys, the PTI was unable to reclaim the seat fallen vacant after Faisal Vawda’s resignation.
The PTI, instead, couldn’t even make it to top three.
Earlier, when Miftah was in the lead, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz claimed that the “masses know who exactly is responsible for their troubles and woes”.
“I have said it earlier and I will say it again, Imran Khan and PTI will not be able to campaign and if they do, this is how they will be welcomed,” she said.
Her remarks were in response to a video shared by former journalist Talat Hussain showing PTI candidate for NA-249 Amjad Afridi being heckled by voters of the constituency.
Earlier, taking strict notice of PTI lawmakers’ presence in the NA-249 constituency during the by-poll, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) directed them to leave.
According to details, six PTI MPs Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Raja Azhar, Saeed Afridi, Bilal Ghaffar, Shah Nawaz Jadoon and Shahzad Awan were found to be violating the code of conduct by being present in the constituency during polling hours.
The ECP issued their expulsion orders, directing police to expel them from the constituency.
Since after the surprising turn of events, rigging allegations are pouring in against the ruling PPP of Sindh.
With the government announcing that all exams are cancelled until June 15, students are now demanding School Assessed Grades. In this regard, Jibran Nasir who has been a vocal advocate for the student throughout shared a screenshot of an email written to students by the CEO of Cedar College Karachi to inform them that schools in the city are uniting for a joint effort to get School Assessed Grades option for students.
“In a situation that is evolving rapidly, I am happy to report that in the meeting that we had with school leaders of O’ and A’ Level schools from across Karachi, we reached a unanimous decision to write Cambridge International as one unified block requesting that they give our students the option to op for school/teacher assesses grades for the June 2021 exam series,” read the email.
The email further stated, “We hope that the fact that we are all speaking with one voice, and have one message will have a greater impact on Cambridge International with respect to allowing Pakistani students the option of taking school assessed grades.”
“May this become a nationwide effort. Schools are filling shoes of [the] government as Education Minister remains absent,” wrote Jibran in the caption.
Jibran Nasir also shared names of other private schools who are in favour of School Assesses Grades and requested other schools to do the same.
Fed Edu Minister opposes #SchoolAssessedGrades but Aitchison, Beacon House, City School, LGS, Roots Ivy, Roots Millenium, Learning Alliance, Mama Parsi, Nixor, LACAS, SICAS, Bloomfield Hall, IIUI, Cedar College, Bay View, Headstart etc all support #SAGs. #GetUsSAGsOrResignShafqat
Students have been demanding Teacher and School Assessed Grades with the hashtags #ShafqatDestroysOurCareer and #ResignShafqatMahmood trending on social media. They argue that their study schedules have been disrupted because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has announced that the government plans to open the country’s first-ever media university in Islamabad, ARY News has reported.
The minister said that the university will be opened in a vacant building in Islamabad, which has been empty for the past eight years.
Fawad added that international professors will be called to teach at the university, adding that modern technology will also be taught there.
The minister further said that this is for the first time in the country that animation, sound and lighting education will be given locally. He is hopeful that the media university will become the best varsity in the South Asia region.
Fawad was recently reappointed Minister for Information and Broadcasting in a recent cabinet shuffle.
Earlier, he also shared his plans on what he plans to do under his ministry.
“The process that started in 2018 to initiate reforms in the Information Ministry is being resumed,” Chaudhry had said, adding that the project to make Pakistan Television HD will be completed by June 1. In addition to this, work on making PTV Sports HD is also in progress.
Good Morning,*|MERGE1|*! It’s April 29, Thursday?It’s finally time to give back all the love you guys have given us in the past two years. The Current is launching a membership program in which you can come to meet us (and chill with us in the office — when it opens back up), WRITE FOR US (YESS!), attend live training sessions, and much much more! I’ll keep you up to date with details (some top-secret ones too)!
A tough contest is expected among candidates of major political parties contesting the by-election in Karachi, polling for which is going to be held today.? (Faisal Vawda’s old seat, which he left to become a Senator).
It will be sunny in major cities with gusty winds in Quetta!
Laila-The Current
MORNING MEME
PM’s meeting with pro-Tareen MPs: Hit or miss? ?
A group of lawmakers supporting disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen have met Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and expressed their concerns regarding all action against Tareen.
Speaking to reporters after their meeting in Islamabad, PTI MNA from Faisalabad Raja Riaz said it was held in a “very cordial” atmosphere and that the premier had assured them that justice will be done “in every condition”.
He said the prime minister has sought time to look into their concerns that Tareen was being victimised, promising that “all requirements of justice will be met”.
What was really interesting is that Tareen wasn’t there (or invited?) hmmm…
‘Absolute rubbish’ – Govt reacts to ex-FIA chief’s accusations
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar have denied serious allegations levelled by ex-FIA director general (DG) Bashir Memon.
Reacting to Memon’s statement, wherein he had accused PM Imran among others of framing Justice Qazi Faez Isa and major political player, the premier’s adviser on accountability Akbar vehemently rejected the same.
He said Memon had committed “slander” and said he had directed his lawyers to initiate legal action against the former head of the FIA.
We did a live with cool shool women of Aurat Card in which they disscused: Kya waqaee ‘Plan to get rid of Faez Esa’ Imran Khan ka ‘brainchild’ tha, Education minister ki resignation chahte hain students!!! (Jaiz or not Jaiz), aur lockdown mai bored: Reema ki top bollywood movies jo aapne nahi deekhi hoongi.
It was a fun session…check it out! Someone asked a question if Harry ko Royal Family se nikalwana aik saazish thi (LOL!)
If there’s one thing that can steal the thunder of history’s deadliest pandemic, it is none other than the fashion politics surrounding the 93rd Annual Academy Awards.
Given that we’ve mostly seen stars in their pyjamas and lounge wear most of last year, we were expecting some bold style statements. However, turns out we couldn’t agree more with The New York Times definition of Oscars 2021: ‘A lot of Style, Little Substance‘.
Check out The Current’s picks for the Best and Worst Dressed Celebs during the world’s most glamourous award ceremony.
Bollywood stars step in to support India’s battle against COVID
Bollywood bigwigs including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Sunil Shetty among others have stepped in to support India in the battle against COVID-19, donating money and collecting resources, and urging citizens to get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible.
Check the list of those who have offered help in the story
On this day, the world celebrates dance. This day was created to allow the world to recognise dance as a professional art form. It is a tribute to millions of people across generations who have dedicated their lives to this craft of enchantment.
Current Baba’s prediction
You will get butterflies in your stomach today ?
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Contrary to what surveys suggested, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Miftah Ismail is leading the race for Karachi’s NA-249 constituency, unofficial results from 54 of 276 polling stations show.
While the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) are trailing behind, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for now rests at the bottom of the table.
Earlier, the polling process continued rather peacefully with no untoward incident taking place.
Voter turnout, despite strict security arrangements, was reported to be low, mainly owing to Ramzan, scorching heat and the fact that the election was conducted on a business day.
CONTRARY TO SURVEYS:
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and his PTI were the most popular in embattled NA-249 constituency of Karachi until earlier today.
According to surveys by Ipsos, Pulse Consultant and Gallup Pakistan, PTI was likely to retain the seat that had fallen vacant after its Faisal Vawda stepped down; however, rival PML-N could give it a tought time.
The Karachi West-II seat of the National Assembly lies in Baldia Town neighbourhood of the metropolis.
It was won by PTI’s Vawda in the 2018 general election after beating PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif.
As many as 276 polling stations comprising 796 polling booths had been established in the constituency.
The constituency, with 339,591 registered voters, had emerged to be a highly contested seat with candidates belonging to almost every major political party fighting for it.
Prominent candidates in the run were Miftah Ismail of PML-N, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Syed Mustafa Kamal, Amjad Afridi of PTI, Qadir Khan Mandokhail of PPP, Mohammad Mursaleen of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Mufti Nazeer Ahmed Kamalvi of TLP.
With results still pouring in, a sudden turn of events hasn’t been ruled out by pundits.
